Spring Hiatus

As Spring continues to try and make its appearance here in New York, I continue to try and do the same right here! I must admit I have been far too in the moment to stop and write in these last couple of weeks, but encourage you to also follow my train(s) of thought over on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Above are some photos documenting what I've been up to as of late. Even though we're still grabbing a cardigan before we walk out the door in the morning, Summer is rapidly approaching, isn't it?!

I will be leaving in the coming days for a two-week adventure in China, visiting Shanghai & Beijing during my stay. I cannot wait to explore these ancient cities, climb the Great Wall, tour the Water Villages, hunt for silks, buy pearls and devour some of Shanghai's infamous vintage shops.

Until my return, I wish you the loveliest of Spring-filled days, delicious Memorial Day barbeques with your favorite people, and oodles and oodles of plentiful sunshine: both literally and figuratively!

xox JN

Photos, top to bottom: Tulips in Park Slope / Blooms at Bloomingdale's / A cheery walk through Washington Square Park / The most delicious macarons from bisousciao / Great Gatsby windows at Brooks Brothers / a Saturday afternoon stroll by Bergdorf's / My new Clarisonic Mia 2 - please tell me you're getting one! / My go-to summer handbag (the E/W Willis) from Coach / post-Devachan magic after seeing my girl, Nevilla / The easiest (and uber-delicious) dinner you must make tonight / An afternoon with my favorite girl / BFF's / Devachan magic for my mini-me / Jasmine tea at Jing Fong in Chinatown

Mom's Little Vase

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While growing up in the South, gift-giving was an anytime occurrence. There need not be a specific occasion, holiday, or poignant moment. In fact, these opportunities were referred to as giving a "happy" to someone - merely for the sake of spreading joy! Granted, the season of gift-giving is upon us, but isn't it a great feeling to receive something on any ol' day of the year?

Well, I just received a "happy" of the most lovely bud vase, known as Mom's Little Vase. I must tell you it has quickly became one of my favorite things! It should come as no surprise that it came from one of my favorite gift-giving spots, Uncommon Goods. To begin with, this piece has immense character based on its petite size, and takes up minimal space in my Brooklyn apartment. The fact I can proudly display one of the many hand-picked treasures Lyla gives me delights me to no end ... not to mention the idea I can cut the perfect bloom for it! For anyone who comes to our home, there is nothing uncommon about my love of flowers. Let's just say this vase is reason enough to want to keep them displayed at all times!

It is said that good things come in small packages, and this little gem does not disappoint. Handmade by artist Jill Henrietta Davis, each vase varies slightly from the other. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is that piece you stock up on and give to everyone. (Can we say stocking stuffers, my lovelies?!)

So, who are you going to give a "happy" to?

xx JN

Everything's Coming Up Roses!

How lucky is the month of June? With the rose as its signature flower, I felt simply inspired to share some of my most favorite rose-themed essentials :

Jo Malone's Red Roses Cologne

English Country Garden Roses

Rose Macarons - my favorite are at Mille-Feuille

Birth Month Flower Necklaces

Chanel Rose Exuberant Nail Colour

Forest Hatter Scarf, Roses

Smith's Rosebud Salve in a Tube

With these delights, clearly you will take some time to stop and smell the roses, my lovelies!

xx JN

12 Days of Gratitude

November is one of my favorite months of the year as it brings with each day a constant reminder of the importance of gratitude.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I will be spending these next 12-days noting the things I am most grateful for. Gratitude cannot be overrated - it is the fuel that propels us.

Join my 12-Days of Gratitude Feast by e-mailing, tweeting (#gratitudefeast) and tumbling your gratitude statements, thoughts & pictures. Is there really any better of a dish to serve on Thanksgiving than a huge helping of gratitude?

No matter where we are on our personal journey, there is always something to be grateful for ... sometimes it starts with a simple, "I am grateful."

xx JN